A New Look For a New Purpose
Chapel Updates!
We're thrilled to show off our chapel updates as we move from a transactional to a relational ministry model. Your support made this possible!
The Hope Newsletter Chapel Update
Chapel Hallway Outside
You may have seen our wall signage on social media. It is the focal point upon entering the front door of the building, and walking down the hallway to the chapel. It displays our Pathway orb, and is the beginning point for tours, explaining the philosophy of how we create pathways out of poverty through Jesus with our neighbors in need.
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The Mission cross
Our chapel's cross remains, although it was stained a darker brown color to go against the pallet wall background. All the wood you see on that wall and the signs in the chapel was brought from Victory Acres.
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The Mission cross
The pallet wall background and the new lighting allow us to really put an emphasis on the cross, and the fact it is empty. Christ isn't there, he is risen, and the Holy Spirit has freely been given to all who would receive.
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Pallet wall signage
The pallet wall is offset by many signs that we also made, and scripture that was hand-painted by family and friends. While this looks like it could have been bought at a store, the fact that loved ones in connection with the Downtown Mission created it makes it priceless to us and our guests.
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Display screens
In our chapel, we have large display screens that serve many purposes. From lyrics during worship, to presentations during guest classes and staff training, these displays are such a blessing.
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Sound reinforcement
Our upgrades in the chapel also include upgraded audio hardware. This makes it even easier for guest musicians and speakers to help create a cohesive and deeply expressive worship environment for our guests.
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Lighting upgrade
While we could have gone high-tech with our lighting, we went with simple dimmer switches that are wired to allow for a variety of lighting needs. From simply full lighting in the chapel, to a more intimate lighting, we can use the chapel in many ways and for many reasons. This makes the space a far more effective room than previously.
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Cross light
The lights on the cross alone.
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... adding in the stage lights
The lights on the cross and the stage.
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... and the pulpit lights
The lights on the cross, stage and pulpit.
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... and now the main floor lights
The lights on the cross, stage, pulpit and main audience.
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and finally the perimeter spots
The lights on the cross, stage, pulpit, main audience and perimeter spots.
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Flooring and seating upgrades
The seating in the chapel was upgraded as well, giving us sturdier chairs that are very easy to clean and maintain. Gone is the carpet, and in comes new vinyl plank flooring. We are now incorporating Share Chapel, where worship is shared around a common meal, and makes the experience relational instead of transactional.
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Piano lights
Of course, we still have our piano, with its own spotlight.
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Many reminders of God's great love
Throughout the chapel, we also have various bits of signage as well, reminding our guests of the promises of God.
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The photos above show our recently renovated chapel at our Downtown Men’s Facility. And while the pictures do a pretty good job capturing the new look and feel of the chapel, I want to invite you to stop in and see it personally. Our evening Chapel Services (7:30 pm) are open to anyone or feel free to stop in and ask to see it anytime.
The renovation includes new flooring, paint, furniture, and new technology, featuring high-quality video and sound capabilities. You might also notice our pallet feature wall and the pallet canvases upon which we have painted our scripture verses. The pallet wood comes from our Victory Acres Enterprise Program, where we partner with Caterpillar to recycle wood waste and rebuild pallets for them. Of course, one thing that hasn’t changed is the centrality of the cross and the gospel.
But we didn’t just renovate the chapel because it needed to be updated (which it did, by the way). We renovated and modernized it for a specific purpose. You have heard us talk of wanting to continually move from a “transactional” approach to a more “relational” approach, and the chapel renovation is another step in that direction. A transactional approach might be understood as doing something to or for someone, whereas a relational approach is doing something with someone. Jesus came to be with us. That’s why one of his names is Emmanuel – God with us. It is by being with us, being in relationship with us, that Jesus saves us.
The cross at center stage was given to PRM decades ago and is a constant reminder that Jesus is the only way for any of us to move from poverty to flourishing. The photos on the next page show our recently renovated chapel at our Downtown Men’s Facility. And while the pictures do a pretty good job capturing the new look and feel of the chapel, I want to invite you to stop in and see it personally. Our evening Chapel Services (7:30 pm) are open to anyone or feel free to stop in and ask to see it anytime.
We wanted our chapel and the gospel-centered services we hold there to be more relational as well, and these changes help us to that. We are now able to invite Churches and groups to come and share not only gospel-centered preaching but also gospel-centered worship and fellowship. The new sound and video technology allow us to have live worship bands leading us in praising and worshiping Jesus together. The new (cleanable) floor will enable us to share dessert or refreshments to spend time together and build relationships that can truly transform lives. If your Church or even your Small Group would like to learn more about how you can join us in sharing gospel-centered worship, preaching, and fellowship WITH us – please give Lee Burnham a call at 309-676-6416.
Finally, thank you. Without your gracious gifts of support, this renovation wouldn’t have happened, and we couldn’t continue to invest in a more relational, life on life approach that is “creating pathways out of poverty through Jesus with our neighbors in need.
Jon Rocke
Executive Director
